Police stations beef up security

New security SOPs were introduced amidst a resurgence of terrorism in the province

LAHORE:

In view of the renewed threat of terrorism across Punjab, new SOPs have been issued in police stations across the province.

IG Punjab Mohammad Amir Zulfiqar Khan issued instructions to RPOs and DPOs across Punjab, including CCPO Lahore, regarding terrorism. Orders were also issued to expedite search operations in Pathan settlements across Punjab.

Police stations in the provincial capital and all districts of Punjab were designated hard targets, in light of a new wave of terrorist attacks.

According to sources, there are reports of terrorists present in Lahore and other districts, in view of which IG Punjab Mohammad Amir Zulfiqar Khan has sent CCPO Lahore Ghulam Mehmood Dogar and all RPOs and DPOs across Punjab. They were tasked to implement the new SOPs at all police stations.

According to the new SOPs, three sentries were ordered to be posted in all police stations immediately. There will be one sentry performing checks with metal detectors at the gate of the police station. The second will stand armed at a distance while the third will stand on the police station roof or in the investigation porch. All sentries will be equipped with jackets, helmets and rifles with full reserves of ammunition.

The sentry stationed at the gate will keep the gate closed at all times, denying entry to unchecked individuals. Additionally, no unnecessary gathering will be allowed at police stations.

There will be 3 officers in police vans around-the-clock, all of whom will be equipped with rifles, jackets and helmets.

The SHOs were instructed to keep SMGs ready with them while present in the police station. The new SOPs are to be implemented immediately, with strict departmental action taken against those violating SOPs or being negligent in their implementation.

Moreover, DPOs and SHOs were directed to expedite search operations in Pathan-populated towns and areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2023.